CPT Codes

Cytopathology - 88104

The examination of fluids, washings and brushings. This code is typically utilized for bronchial brushing specimens. Brushings of the gastrointestinal tract are also included. Most other cytopathology specimens have different codes, which will be detailed below. Most fine needle aspiration biopsies are coded 88172 and 88173. Fluids requiring centrifugation fall under 88108. Cervical and Vaginal specimens ("Pap Smears") are also coded separately.

Cytopathology - 88108

The examination of fluids and washings with centrifugation to concentrate the specimen. Most all body fluid specimens are concentrated by centrifugation, then placed on microscope slide to be stained for examination. Examples include urine; bronchial washings; pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluids.

These codes are for the diagnosis of fine needle aspiration biopsy smears. This technique can be utilized with or without radiologic guidance at multiple superficial body sites, including head and neck, thyroid, breast, soft tissue and superficial lymph nodes. Deeper body sites typically require radiologic guidance and include lung, pleura, breast, liver, pancreas, deep lymph nodes and retroperitoneum. 88172 is the code for an immediate staining and evaluation while the patient is still present, in order to determine whether the specimen is adequate and to arrive at a rapid diagnosis (comparable to a frozen section). 88173 is for the final diagnosis and report.

Flow Cytometry - 88180

Fluorescent dyes bound to antibodies or probes analyze cell populations by multiple parameters. This methodology is used for the immunophenotyping of leukemias and lymphomas. Additional uses include lymphocyte analysis to determine immunocompetence, as well as the definition and classification of non-hematologic malignancies.

All other special stains except for microorganisms, immunocytochemistry, and immunoperoxidase (eg. Iron, mucin, etc.)

Special Stains - 88342

Immunoperoxidase

Consultation - 88321

Consultation and report on referred slides prepared elsewhere

Consultation - 88323

Consultation and report on referred material requiring preparation of slides

Consultation - 88325

Consultation, comprehensive, with review of records and specimens, with report on referred material

Consultation - 88329

Pathology consultation during surgery, without frozen section

Frozen Section - 88331

First tissue block, single specimen

Frozen Section - 88332

Each additional tissue block

DNA Ploidy - 88358

Determination by morphometric analysis. In this procedure DNA is marked with a Feulgen stain. The cells are then scanned into a computer where the DNA content is determined based upon the computed cellular optical density.

Tumor Immunohistochemistry - 88161

Determination by morphometric analysis. A variety of substances can be identified and quantitated that can be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic disease. Common examples are estrogen and progesterone receptors, and Her-2/neu.

Genetic Probes - 88165

The latest molecular pathology technology is utilized to create genetic probes that can be linked to routine pathology stains and examined microscopically. This method can identify abnormal genetic mutations associated with neoplasms such as the BCR/ABL translocation diagnostic of chronic myelogenous leukemia. The same method can be utilized to rapidly identify the DNA of suspected infecting microorganisms, such as Human Papilloma Virus.